King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:29 Mean?

Numbers 13:29 in the King James Version says “The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mount... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

Numbers 13:29 · KJV


Context

27

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

28

Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

29

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

31

But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies reported three formidable peoples: Amalekites in the south, Hittites and others in the mountains, and Canaanites by the sea. This accurate intelligence identified real obstacles—yet faith in God's promise should have made these details irrelevant. Knowledge of enemies is valuable only when coupled with confidence in God's superior power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Amalekites had attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), making them known enemies. The Hittites were a major empire of the ancient Near East. The Canaanites controlled coastal regions. These were not phantom threats but genuine military powers—which made God's promise to give Israel the land even more remarkable.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does attention to obstacles become an excuse for disobedience?
  2. How can you acknowledge real difficulties while trusting God's greater power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עֲמָלֵ֥ק1 of 16

The Amalekites

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב2 of 16

dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ3 of 16

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַנֶּ֑גֶב4 of 16

of the south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וְ֠הַֽחִתִּי5 of 16

and the Hittites

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְהַיְבוּסִ֤י6 of 16

and the Jebusites

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙7 of 16

and the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב8 of 16

dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּהָ֔ר9 of 16

in the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙10 of 16

and the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב11 of 16

dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל12 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַיָּ֔ם13 of 16

by the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְעַ֖ל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַ֥ד15 of 16

and by the coast

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃16 of 16

of Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 13:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 13:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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